Andrew Scheer: 'Nobody Believes' Obama Invited PM's In-Laws To State Dinner On His Own

A top Conservative isn't buying that U.S. President Barack Obama just decided to invite Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's in-laws to break bread with them in Washington.

But Trudeau suggested in the House of Commons Tuesday that's exactly the kind of thing that happens when a prime minister has a good relationship with his U.S. counterpart.

Trudeau has faced questions this week about the 44-person delegation that accompanied him to the historic state dinner at the White House in March, costing taxpayers at least $25,000. He told reporters that his mother, Margaret Trudeau, and his in-laws were "personally invited" by Obama.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau proposes a toast to U.S. President Barack Obama during a state dinner Thursday, March 10, 2016 in Washington. (Photo: Paul Chiasson/CP)

Liberal party president Anna Gainey and top fundraiser Stephen Bronfman also attended the event, but the party told The Canadian Press that their expenses weren't covered by Canadian taxpayers.

In question period, Tory House Leader Andrew Scheer wondered what the delegation revealed about Trudeau's priorities. While his in-laws and fundraisers accompanied him, Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr — who is tasked, in part, with making the case for building pipelines — stayed home.

Trudeau shot back that, for 10 years, Tories hurt Canada-U.S. relations with a singular focus on the Keystone XL pipeline.

The PM added he was "touched" that Obama invited his mom and in-laws to be part of a "great meeting of two families."

"Mr. Speaker, nobody believes that President Obama, on his own, decided to invite the prime minister's in-laws."— Andrew Scheer

Scheer rose from his chair with a big grin on his face.

"Mr. Speaker, nobody believes that President Obama, on his own, decided to invite the prime minister's in-laws," he said, sparking some laughter. "Nobody believes that President Obama, on his own, decided to invite Liberal party fundraisers."

"Does the prime minister deny that it was his office that sent the White House the invitation list for this state dinner?" Scheer asked.

Trudeau suggested Obama went out of his way to ensure his extended family was there.

Margaret Trudeau, mother of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is applauded as she is introduced by U.S. President Barack Obama during a state dinner on March 10, 2016 in Washington. (Photo: Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press)

"On top of the official delegation seats that we were allocated, the president and his office insisted that we add to it my mother and our in-laws because it emphasizes the relationship," he said. "These were extra seats that the president made available not in the official delegation that we provided."

Scheer then sarcastically asked if Trudeau was sure the White House didn't just drop Carr's place instead.

"How important is energy to this government when the energy minister isn't even invited to go to Washington?" interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose asked in the House.

"I even got invited to go to Washington."

Obama toasted Margaret

But if Obama's toast to the prime minister that night is any indication, the president was indeed happy to see Margaret Trudeau. Obama sparked applause when he singled out the advocacy work Trudeau's mother has done on the issue of mental health.

"Justin, we also see Canada's spirit in your mother's brave advocacy for mental health care — and I want to give a special welcome to Margaret Trudeau tonight," Obama said.

"It's incredibly touching to be able to be here not just as a couple, Sophie and I, but to have been able to bring our families down as well," Trudeau said at the time.

With files from The Canadian Press

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Barack Obama chat during the state dinner.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Barack Obama hug it out during the state dinner.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Sophie are welcomed to the White House State Dinner by President Obama and Mrs. Obama.

Prime Minister Trudeau speaks with Ryan Reynolds during the State Dinner at the White House in Washington.

Prime Minister Trudeau speaks with Sandra Oh during the State Dinner at the White House in Washington.

Prime Minister Trudeau speaks with Mike Myers during the State Dinner at the White House in Washington.

Prime Minister Trudeau speaks with Michael J. Fox during the State Dinner at the White House in Washington.

Prime Minister Trudeau and President Obama hold a joint press conference in the Rose Garden at the White House.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Sophie introduce Xavier, Ella-Grace and Hadrien to President Obama and Mrs. Obama.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Sophie introduce Xavier, Ella-Grace and Hadrien to President Obama and Mrs. Obama.

Prime Minister Trudeau and President Obama work the rope line during the welcome ceremony on the south lawn of the White House.

Prime Minister Trudeau and President Obama stand together during the playing of the two nation's anthems during the Prime Minister's arrival at the White House.

Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister McKenna, and Xavier meet The Weeknd at Blair House in Washington.

U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama pose for a photo with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau at the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 10, 2016, as they arrive for a state dinner.

President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau walk into the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 10, 2016, as they arrive for a state dinner.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau does the sign of the cross after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington Cemetery Friday, March 11, 2016 in Arlington, Virginia.

U.S. President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau walk into the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 10, 2016, as they arrive for a state dinner.

U.S. President Barack Obama smiles during his meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Thursday, March 10, 2016, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listens as President Barack Obama speaks during a bilateral news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 10, 2016.

President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau conclude their news conference in the Rose Garden of White House in Washington, Thursday, March 10, 2016.

President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin shake hands following the conclusion of their joint news conference, Thursday, March 10, 2016, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listens as U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a state arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, March 10, 2016.

U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama wave with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and his wife Sophie Gregoire, on the Truman Balcony during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 10, 2016.

U.S. President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau review the troops on the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday March 10, 2016 in Washington. Trudeau hopes to strengthen US-Canada ties during his visit to the White House.

U.S. President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau review the troops on the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday March 10, 2016 in Washington. Trudeau hopes to strengthen US-Canada ties during his visit to the White House.

U.S. President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, stand for the playing of national anthems during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 10, 2016.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, arrives at the White House and is greeted by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, Thursday March 10, 2016 in Washington.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds his son Hadrian as he and his wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau son Xavier, right and daughter Ella-Grace, back, step off the plane at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Wednesday, March 9, 2016.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau greets students from D.C.'s Patterson Elementary School after he arrived at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Wednesday, March 9, 2016.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau walks towards a group of school children during a welcome ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Wednesday, March 9, 2016.

Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau looks on as her husband Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and their youngest son Hadrien Grégoire, greet students from D.C.'s Patterson Elementary School, after their arrival at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Wednesday, March 9, 2016.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives for a state visit with his wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, left, and their children Xavier James, Ella-Grace and Hadrian, right, at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Wednesday, March 9, 2016.